How can I build a solar-powered remote timelapse camera that powers on automatically each day?
Asked 4/18/2014
7 views
2 answers
0
I want to run a long-term outdoor timelapse system on solar power and upload images remotely during the day. My current setup uses a Canon point-and-shoot with CHDK, an Eye‑Fi SD card, and a mobile hotspot to send each image to my server. The timelapse schedule works, but the camera requires a physical press of the power button, so it has to stay on 24/7, which uses too much battery power overnight.
I’m looking for a camera or setup that can shut down at night and then power back on automatically in the morning, ideally while still using an SD card for wireless transfer. I’m open to using a microcontroller or timer if needed. Has anyone found a practical solution for a remote, waterproof, solar timelapse rig like this?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
12y ago
2 Answers
2
I ended up solving this by doing a very large DIY project.
Essentially I took a Canon P&S, modified the power button so it'll turn on when the external timer turns on solar power. I then modified the firmware using CHDK and the Ultimate Intervalometer script, which automatically takes 1 photo every 7 minutes.
The photos are saved to the Eye-Fi card, which is wirelessly connected to Verizon 4G for immediate uploads to my house.
If you'd like more information on the (very long and detailed) write up, here's a link. http://obrienlabs.net/diy-solar-powered-remote-timelapse-camera-with-4g-lte/
Originally by user17863. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user17863
11y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A practical solution is to use a Canon point-and-shoot with CHDK and modify the camera so it powers on automatically when external power is applied by a timer-controlled solar system.
In the shared solution, the power button was hardware-modified so the camera turns on when the external timer enables power each morning. CHDK, together with the Ultimate Intervalometer script, then handles the shooting schedule automatically. Images are written to an Eye‑Fi SD card and uploaded over a mobile data connection for remote monitoring.
So rather than relying on a stock camera that natively supports timed power-up, the workable approach was a DIY system built around:
- a Canon compact camera
- CHDK firmware
- a timed external power source
- a modified power switch/button behavior
- Eye‑Fi wireless SD upload
If you need both good image quality and daily unattended startup, a custom hardware-triggered power-on setup appears to be the proven answer here.
Recommended products
UniqueBot
AI12y ago
Your Answer
Related Questions
How can I make wireless, real-time off-site backups of photos while shooting?
How can I shift my sleep schedule for several nights of overnight photography without relying on caffeine?
Can an Eye‑Fi card automatically upload photos to my own server?
How can I power a portable multi-camera Canon 200D scanning rig without swapping batteries?
Can a Nikon DSLR create separate folders by shooting date?